THE PRIMARY EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ASSOCIATION IS TWO FOLD : (1) TO PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIP ASSISTANCE TO HELP PROMISING HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS (WHO FIT THE HORATIO ALGER PROFILE) ATTEND COLLEGE, AND (2) TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE THAT AMERICA'S FREE ENTERPRISE SYSTEM PROVIDES THE GREATEST OPPORTUNITIES IN THE WORLD FOR PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT AND SUCCESS. THE ASSOCIATION WAS FOUNDED MORE THAN 70 YEARS AGO TO COMBAT A GROWING ATTITUDE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE THAT ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY WAS A THING OF THE PAST. THE ASSOCIATION STRIVES TO MOTIVATE AND EDUCATE OUR NATION'S YOUNG PEOPLE TO THE ECONOMIC AND PERSONAL OPPORTUNITIES AFFORDED THEM BY THE PROMISE OF THE AMERICAN FREE-ENTERPRISE SYSTEM. THE ASSOCIATION BRINGS THE "HORATIO ALGER HEROES" OF TODAY TOGETHER WITH THOSE OF TOMORROW BY BESTOWING THE HORATIO ALGER AWARD ANNUALLY; HOSTING CAREER, PUBLIC SERVICE, AND COMMUNITY SERVICE SEMINARS; SPONSORING FREE-ENTERPRISE FORUMS; AWARDING SCHOLARSHIPS EACH YEAR; AND PROVIDING AN INTERNSHIP PROGRAM.